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Five Questions: Laura Fortino, Olympic hockey player

This week, we focus on Hamilton’s Laura Fortino, 22, who will play defence on the Canadian women’s hockey team.

Hamilton's Laura Fortino is on her way to Sochi.

Tues., Jan. 28, 2014

Star Staff

As athletes make their way to the Sochi Winter Olympics, the Star caught up with a few of them. We asked them all the same five questions. This week, we focus on Hamilton’s Laura Fortino, 22, who will play defence on the Canadian women’s hockey team. For fitness profiles of other Olympians, go to thestar.com/health .

Are alcohol and “junk food” mutually exclusive in being an Olympic athlete or even simply being healthy?

As an Olympic athlete we have a greater responsibility to take care of ourselves and hold our bodies to a higher standard. When it comes to alcohol and junk food Olympic athletes put everything into moderation. We tend to pick and choose the right times to indulge and to treat ourselves.

What’s the best psychological advice you have been given? Do you have a unique way of approaching competition?

Influential quotes have always been a backbone for me. There is a quote that I have always looked to that allows me to remain mentally strong in times of need or strength. The quote states: “Long-term goals take long-term commitments. Nothing worth having is easy to get. Work hard and trust in God’s plan. You can do anything.” Every day as an athlete I committed myself to getting better and making sure the little details of both on and off ice performance never went unnoticed. Through my family, the importance of hard work has been instilled in me from a young age, and that in life with hard work anything is possible. In working my way toward my dream of the Olympics as an athlete I made sure no stone was unturned and that I had no regrets and that through consistent hard work and dedication all would work out in the end.

Have you ever felt like quitting your sport? Has it ever become “just too much”?

I have not gone through a moment where I have wanted to quit my sport. I have been fortunate enough to have been surrounded by such supportive and loving family and friends that were there for me in the most lowest points of my life. For example, this year was my first centralization year with the Canadian women’s Olympic hockey team and there were definitely moments where I sometimes questioned if I had the endurance and mental fortitude to continue with the rigorous and demanding schedule. Although sometimes that was the case, with the support system that is put in place for our team and the love from my family, I pushed through and continued to work toward my dream.

Do you have a “hero” or role model (other than another athlete)?

My hero in my life has been my father. Ever since I was a little girl my dad has been my role model and inspiration. He is the backbone of my hockey career and I am so blessed that he has been able to be a part of this amazing journey I am on. My dad is not only an exceptional father but he is such a great teacher of life and guides all his children to happiness and success. Through my journey of reaching my goal of representing Canada at the Olympics my father always had a way of instilling hope and faith in me as an athlete, which allowed for me to play with a great sense of confidence and passion. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to have him part of my life and that he will be able to share in my first experience at an Olympic games in Sochi this February! My goal is to win a gold medal for Canada and be able to share it with my father and my family.

Star Staff

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